Cox’s Bazar is witnessing a massive influx of tourists as the Durga Puja festival coincides with the weekend holidays.
The country’s most popular seaside destinations—Laboni, Sugandha, and Kalatali beach points—are teeming with tourists, creating a festive buzz across the coastal city.
Despite unfavourable weather, thousands of travellers from across the country are flocking to the beaches and nearby attractions.
Tourism insiders estimate that the ongoing holiday season could generate business worth at least Tk 100 crore for the local economy.
Since September 28, all hotel, motel, and guesthouse rooms have been fully booked, leaving many tourists struggling to find accommodation.
The transport sector is also under pressure, with tickets becoming increasingly challenging to obtain.
In addition to the main beach, visitors are crowding other scenic spots such as Inani, Himchari, Patwartek, Teknaf, Dulahazara Safari Park, Maheshkhali’s Adinath Temple, and the Buddhist temples of Ramu.
Mohammad Apple Mahmud, Additional DIG of Tourist Police (Cox’s Bazar region), said that strict security measures have been taken to ensure tourist safety and prevent any untoward incidents. “We’ve deployed sufficient police forces, including plainclothes officers, across key tourist zones. Operations are ongoing at crime-prone spots to curb theft and snatching,” he said.
Alongside the Tourist Police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and district police are also on duty.
Meanwhile, mobile courts, led by executive magistrates, are conducting drives under the supervision of the district administration. The combined effort aims to ensure a secure and hassle-free travel experience for visitors.
The district’s Tourism Cell, Tourist Police, and lifeguard teams are diligently working around the clock to ensure the safety of tourists.
According to local tourism entrepreneurs, this year’s Durga Puja and extended holidays have drawn one of the most enormous tourist crowds in recent years, creating strong prospects for business and trade in the coastal district.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
